Maine Lit Fest: A Generative Poetry Workshop with Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma

When I began to listen to poetry, it’s when I began to listen to the stones, and I began to listen to what the clouds had to say, and I began to listen to others. And I think, most importantly for all of us, then you begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else. —Joy Harjo

This generative workshop led by Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma (Midden and Work by Bloodlight) will focus on the potential for poetry to serve as an antidote for isolation and division. Drawing on the inspiration of Joy Harjo’s words, attendees will partake in a variety of unique and collaborative prompts designed to encourage listing to the world around us, seeing and acknowledging both its horror and its beauty, and engaging the words of one another to nurture our collective creative energy. Together, we will write poems that connect us to the physical world, anchor us in our bodies, lift our voices toward each other, and give us the courage to navigate uncertain times.

This event is free.

Books will be sold by Devaney, Doak & Garrett.

Registration details to be announced on the MWPA website.